What can cause a stroke | what answered

What can cause a stroke

What can cause a stroke, A stroke is a cerebro-vascular accident during which the brain stops functioning. Strokes are caused when the flow of blood to the brain is interrupted or blocked. A large percentage of people who suffer a stroke are left with a permanent disability, such as paralysis or memory loss. It is also one of the leading causes of death.

There are two types of strokes:

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood flows into or around the brain.

Regardless of the type, a stroke is dangerous and can be fatal. Controlling the factors that cause a stroke is your best bet. Here are some of the common causes of a stroke.

Controllable Factors

There are certain factors you can control.

Blood Pressure

One of the leading causes of a stroke is high blood pressure. The excessive flow of blood into the brain can lead to a hemorrhage. You can control your blood pressure through exercise, eating the right food and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

Smoking

Smoking plays a crucial role in almost all diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. Regular smoking will increase the risk of a stroke. Even inhaling secondhand smoke can be highly damaging. Quit smoking to reduce the risk of a stroke.

High Alcohol Consumption

People who drink too much are at the risk of a stroke. Alcohol consumption should be limited to a drink or two per day. Alcohol not only affects the blood pressure but also tampers with the chemicals in your brain.

Low Level of Activity

A sedimentary lifestyle primes you up for heart problems and strokes as well. If you just sit around all day, your body’s blood flow won’t be as robust as it should be. The best option is to exercise on a daily basis. That way, your blood flow remains steady and your brain receives the blood it needs without fluctuations in pressure.

Uncontrollable Factors

There are some factors that are beyond your control.

Age

The body weakens with age and is vulnerable to small and major health problems. As you grow older, the risk of having a stroke increases. The issue is that with age, the risk of fatalities due to stroke is also high.

Genetics

People who have a family history of strokes are at a greater risk. If either your parents or siblings have had a stroke before turning 65, your chances of having one too increase.

Prior Stroke

Most people recover from the first stroke but a subsequent stroke can cause great damage. People who have had a stroke before are at a high risk of having another stroke sometime in the future.

Gender

A majority of the cases of strokes are reported in males. Men are more susceptible to having a stroke than women, especially the ones who are yet to reach menopause.

These are the controllable and uncontrollable factors that cause strokes. Keep in mind, prevention is the best way out!